MIDDLETOWN, Ohio – The River States Conference announced its 2026 Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll on Thursday, with IU Columbus selected to finish sixth in the standings, as voted on by the league's head coaches.
The Crimson Pride, under the direction of head coach Jose Olivo, continue to build momentum entering their fourth season as a program. Last year, IU Columbus posted a 20-9 overall record and finished 11-5 in RSC play, earning a sixth-place finish in the conference standings. The Crimson Pride secured a berth in the RSC Conference Tournament, ultimately making a first-round exit.
IU Kokomo was picked as the preseason favorite, earning 80 points and receiving eight of the 10 first-place votes. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods secured the second spot with 69 points and one first-place vote, while Rio Grande followed closely in third with 68 points and one first-place vote. Rounding out the top five were IU East (52 points) and IU Southeast (50 points).
IU Columbus checked in at sixth with 47 points, followed by WVU Tech in seventh (29 points) and Kentucky Christian in eighth (19 points). Brescia and Midway tied for ninth with 18 points each.
The Crimson Pride will begin RSC play on September 12 when they travel to Kentucky Christian University. The regular season kicks off on August 14 when they travel to Huntington University to compete in the Forester Invite, taking on Madonna Unversity to kick off tournament play.
2026 RSC Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll
- IU Kokomo – 80 points (8 first-place votes)
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods – 69 points (1 first-place vote)
- Rio Grande – 68 points (1 first-place vote)
- IU East – 52 points
- IU Southeast – 50 points
- IU Columbus – 47 points
- WVU Tech – 29 points
- Kentucky Christian – 19 points
t9. Brescia – 18 points
t9. Midway – 18 points
For the latest news and updates on IU Columbus Crimson Pride Athletics, visit iuccrimsonpride.com or follow @IUCAthletics on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
For the full poll, click here.
